Vaishno Devi Temple
Known for being one of the most famous ancient shrines in India, the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is believed to be the dwelling place of Goddess Durga. It is also considered one of the few places known for fulfilling the wishes of the devoted. The Vaishno Devi shrine holds the three Pindis that show the Mata in her three different forms, each representing an additional attribute. These three forms are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. This attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the world to the temple every year.
Quick Facts
Address: Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301
Opening hours: All days of the week
5:00 AM - 12:00 PM
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Deity: Vaishno Devi, Vaishnavi
Major festivals celebrated: Navratri, Diwali
History and Mythology
Many legends surround the temple, and many believe that the temple is a manifestation of a Hindu Goddess called Mata Adi Shakti/Adi Parashakti. When Maha Lakshmi, Maha Gauri, and Maha Saraswati combined their energies to rid the world of evil demons in the Treta Tuga, Goddess Vaishnavi was born.
After defeating all the evil tainting the world, she was asked to stay on earth and continue protecting it. Agreeing, she takes the form of a human and wanders around, helping people with their problems. This upset the local tantric, and he enlisted the help of his disciple, Bhairon Nath, to learn more about the mysterious woman. Bhairon Nath, however, became fascinated with Vaishnavi and began to stalk her. Finally, she retreated to a cave, where she stayed for nine months to escape him.
Bhairon Nath refused to give up, and when he learned where she was, he decided to try and force himself on her. So Vaishnavi turned into a Goddess with eight arms and beheaded the man, after which she went back into her cave and is said to reside there to this day. This Holy Cave is known as Vaishno Devi Temple.
The Pilgrims Road
Getting to Vaishno Devi Mandir is not as straightforward as you might think. While those who have gone on this pilgrimage before may be able to handle the journey, those who are embarking on it for the first time will have to meticulously plan how to reach Vaishno Devi for a hassle-free trip.
The mountain with three peaks, Trikuta, is the home of the Holy Cave: the site of the Vaishno Devi Temple. However, the temple cannot be reached without first stopping at the small town of Katra, located about 42km from Jammu City in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Holy Temple Cave is about 5,200ft high, and the trek is about 14km from Katra to the temple. Therefore, those who wish to visit the Vaishno Devi Temple will first have to stop at Katra and register for the trek, where you can also get insurance and anything else you may require for a safe trek.
People's devotion to travelers Maa Vaishno Devi runs deep, so the little town of Katra sees lakhs of pilgrims and visitors each year. With such large numbers of travelers, the city has provided many places for travelers to stay at. When in Katra, it is worth paying a visit to the bazaar. Here, you can shop for woolen garments, leather jackets, hosiery, dry fruits, and souvenirs for those back home.
How to reach Vaishno Devi by bus
Vaishno Devi is one of the most-visited pilgrimage sites in India and is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi. The Vaishno Devi shrine in the temple, which shows Goddess Vaishnavi in her three different forms, is a significant attraction for pilgrimage seekers. Located in the Katra region of J&K, Vaishno Devi is visited by many seekers from all around the globe.
To travel to Vaishno Devi, you can book JKSRTC (Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation) buses on redBus. JKSRTC buses serve various routes to Katra, like Jammu to Katra, Delhi to Katra, Srinagar to Katra, etc.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Delhi
You can book a bus from Vaishno Devi from Delhi via redBus at affordable rates. In addition, JKSRTC provides a bus from Delhi to Katra daily at 08:00 PM. JKSRTC buses are state government-owned buses and have reasonable bus fares. Once you reach Katra, you will have to begin trekking to the Vaishno Devi Temple, which is around 12 kilometers away. The road from Delhi to Katra is 637 KM, and it takes about 11 hours to cover this route by bus.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Jammu Tawi?
Jammu Tawi is located 47 kilometers from Katra, and you can book a local bus to cover this route. It will take an hour to reach Katra from Jammu Tawi by bus. redBus can help you book affordable bus tickets to Katra from various locations in J&K.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Srinagar?
The best way to reach Vaishno Devi from Srinagar is to book a JKSRTC bus via redBus. The road distance between Srinagar and Katra is around 250 KM, and it takes about 6-7 hours to cover this route by bus.
How to reach Vaishno Devi from Katra?
Katra is the base for beginning the journey to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Many devotees travel on foot from Katra to the temple, and the distance is around 12 KM. Horses/ponies and lifters are also available for people who cannot walk.
Buses to Katra
No buses will take you directly to the temple, but most buses from the major cities in North India travel to Karta as the NH 1A passes through Jammu. Buses will usually take the by-pass in Kunjwani and then keep going straight until they reach Katra. Book your bus tickets well in advance via redBus and avail deals and discounts on tickets and even accommodation options. Some of the popular routes taken to Katra are:
- Delhi to Katra
- Jaipur to Katra
- Amritsar to Katra
- Haryana to Katra
Though the journey may seem long, these pilgrimages are worth the blessings bestowed upon those who take them. As the Goddess Vaishno Devi is loved by so many, it is no wonder that crowds of people try to pay her their respects in the cave she has been inhabiting for thousands of years. For those who want to learn more about the mighty goddess, the movie Jai Maa Vaishno Devi perfectly depicts her story.
Whether you travel to Vaishno Devi Temple as a pilgrim or simply a traveler, you will not regret your journey. The trek up to the site of the Holy Cave is safe and comfortable for most to travel on. There are restrooms on the way, freshwater, and refreshments. It is excellent and brings one closer to understanding and interacting with a part of India's vast and deep culture and religion. Visit the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi using the redBus, the most affordable and convenient means of travel. Book online bus tickets using the user-fri endly redBus website or mobile app.
